New Zealand is making an immediate $1 million contribution to international relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today.The Government was also trying to organise consular assistance for New Zea
New Zealand is making an immediate $1 million contribution to international relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today.
The Government was also trying to organise consular assistance for New Zealanders in Haiti, he said.
"As the enormity of this disaster emerges, the international community is rapidly mobilising to assist the people of Haiti," Mr McCully said just minutes after announcing that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had postponed a visit to New Zealand to coordinate her country's relief effort.
"Saving lives and assisting survivors are obviously the immediate priorities," Mr McCully said.
"New Zealand's contribution will therefore be channelled through international relief agencies such as the International Red Cross and various United Nations Agencies, who are already in Haiti and have the ability to respond effectively to such a disaster."
Mr McCully said that as further assessments of the damage and the type of assistance required emerged, New Zealand might look at further contributions.
"We are looking at sending someone to the United States to be ready to go to Haiti when conditions allow," he said.
"However, Haiti's airport is currently closed and there is no indication when it will re-open."
Mr McCully said that in the meantime the Government was doing all it could to assist the Sanson-Rejouis family.
New Zealander Emily Sanson-Rejouis' husband, Emmanuel, was killed in the quake, while her youngest daughter, Alyahna, was rescued after being found under her father's body. She has one broken leg and possibly a second.
"Two family members are confirmed alive but two remain trapped inside the Karibe Hotel," Mr McCully said.
"Two other New Zealanders thought to be in Haiti have now been accounted for elsewhere."
New Zealanders with concerns about the welfare of family in Haiti should telephone the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 04 439-8000.
